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| United States Patent |
5,680,959
|
|
Ettore
, et al.
|
October 28, 1997
|
Bulk container with removable liner, discharge fitment for the liner,
and adapter for connection to discharge port of the container
Abstract
A lined container includes a rigid-walled vessel having a discharge port, a
flexible liner having a discharge fitment, and an adapter for connecting
the discharge fitment to the discharge port of the vessel. The adapter
includes a tubular member having a coaxial bore and a set of male, tapered
threads for engaging with female, tapered threads of the discharge fitment
of the flexible liner. The adapter also includes a flange member for
accommodating a sealing ring abutted against an inner wall of the rigid
walled vessel. A method of inserting the liner and adapter into the rigid
vessel includes guiding the adapter (with liner attached), using a guide
leash, through a top aperture, into the vessel, and then out the vessel
through the discharge port (leaving just the liner inside).
| Inventors:
|
Ettore; Steven P. (Marietta, GA);
Lane; Joseph J. (Marietta, GA);
Vandergriff; Douglas S. (Woodstock, GA)
|
| Assignee:
|
21st Century Containers, Ltd. (Atlanta, GA)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
773318 |
| Filed:
|
December 24, 1996 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
222/1; 222/105 |
| Intern'l Class: |
B65D 035/56 |
| Field of Search: |
222/1,105,106,107,183
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
| 607316 | Jul., 1898 | Winters | 285/206.
|
| 3108732 | Oct., 1963 | Curie et al.
| |
| 3226002 | Dec., 1965 | Walker.
| |
| 3372725 | Mar., 1968 | Voorhees | 222/205.
|
| 3448889 | Jun., 1969 | Malpas.
| |
| 4640535 | Feb., 1987 | Hermann | 285/87.
|
| 4771917 | Sep., 1988 | Heaps, Jr. et al. | 222/105.
|
| 4934654 | Jun., 1990 | Linnemann.
| |
| 4960227 | Oct., 1990 | Coleman | 222/105.
|
| 4996760 | Mar., 1991 | Coleman | 222/105.
|
| 4997108 | Mar., 1991 | Hata | 222/105.
|
| 5385268 | Jan., 1995 | LaFleur et al. | 222/105.
|
| 5586690 | Dec., 1996 | Ettore et al. | 222/105.
|
Primary Examiner: Kashnikow; Andres
Assistant Examiner: Bomberg; Kenneth
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper & Scinto
Parent Case Text
This application is a division of application Ser. No. 08/305,939 filed
Sep. 19, 1994, which will issue as U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,690 on Dec. 24,
1996.
Claims
We claim:
1. A method of lining a rigid container, having an access aperture and a
discharge port, with a flexible liner, having a discharge fitment, said
method comprising the steps of:
affixing a plug with a tow-line to the fitment of the flexible liner, the
tow-line having a free end;
guiding the free end of the tow-line through the access aperture into the
rigid container and then through the port and out of the rigid container;
feeding the flexible liner through the access aperture into the rigid
container and pulling the tow-line, while still attached to the fitment,
completely through the port of the rigid container; and
securing the fitment to the port of the rigid container.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said guiding step comprises
positioning a vertical guide tube through the access aperture and
positioning a horizontal guide tube through the port such that the free
end of the tow-line is guided through the vertical guide tube until it
meets the horizontal guide tube.
3. A method according to claim 2, further comprising the steps of securing
the free end of the tow-line to the horizontal guide tube upon contact and
then withdrawing the horizontal guide tube through the port.
4. A method according to claim 3, wherein a magnet is provided on the free
end of the tow-line and the magnet is attractable to a portion of the
horizontal guide tube.
5. A method according to claim 2, wherein the vertical guide tube is
provided with a longitudinal slot throughout its length such that the
vertical guide tube can be removed from the container without removing the
tow-line.
6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of securing the fitment
of the flexible liner to the port of the rigid container is effected via
an adapter.
7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the adapter is provided with at
least one set of male, tapered threads for an interference fit with the
fitment of the flexible liner.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a bulk container and a removable liner for
storing and shipping fluid and semi-fluid materials in bulk, such as fluid
and semi-fluid adhesives, polyester resins or the like, paints,
photosensitive lithographic compounds, foodstuffs, etc.
In storing and shipping fluid and semi-fluid materials, it is preferable to
utilize containers, such as drums, intermediate bulk containers, and bulk
containers varying in size from about 30 to 1000 gallons. Due to the
expense in manufacturing such large containers, it is preferable to reuse
the containers as often as possible. However, if the material is stored
directly inside the container, the container would desirably need to be
cleaned after each use. Such cleaning can be very difficult (and therefore
costly) to carry out and sometimes impossible to accomplish effectively,
depending upon the type of material used. With some materials, if a delay
is anticipated before cleaning can be effected, it is necessary to fill
the container completely with some type of solvent, such as water or
acetone, after the supply of the material is exhausted, so that the
residual material will not harden against the interior walls of the
container and make such cleaning even more difficult. Some solvents, such
as acetone, may be classified as a hazardous material that requires strict
disposal procedures, thereby making cleaning even more costly.
Furthermore, some materials may be more chemically incompatible with the
container, depending upon the composition of the container. Likewise, some
materials may chemically react with the container and contaminate the
stored material. Moreover, some materials are not authorized to be used in
food grade applications.
In order to resolve these problems, it has been proposed to coat the
interior walls of bulk containers with a composition that will prevent
undesired chemical reactions between the stored material and the interior
container walls, such as corrosion, and to provide a more readily
cleanable surface. However, such coating involves a complex process and
the integrity of the coating cannot always be guaranteed. If an undetected
pin hole exists in the coating, an undesirable chemical reaction between
the stored material and the container may occur, thus contaminating the
entire contents of the container. Also, the walls of the container may
corrode and even rupture. In addition, it is still somewhat difficult to
clean the interior of the container, especially if there is limited access
to it.
It has also been proposed to construct bulk containers out of different
materials, specifically selected according to the composition of the
material to be stored. However, such a strategy is costly, especially if
containers for a wide variety of materials are desired. Also, some
materials for forming the container may have better strength attributes
than other materials, thus requiring different wall thicknesses.
Further, an unlined container must be painstakingly cleaned if it is
desired to be reused--especially if it is to be used for different
contents.
Therefore, it is generally preferred to utilize a removable liner in the
bulk containers. Removable liners can protect the container from corrosion
by the stored material and can prevent contamination of the stored
material by acting as a barrier between the container and the stored
material. Further, when the supply of stored material is depleted, the
liner, being less massive and, therefore, relatively inexpensive, can be
removed and simply disposed of. A new liner can then be inserted and the
bulk container can be reused without any need for cleaning. The bulk
container can be mass-produced using one preferred material, and one set
of parameters for wall thickness, whereas several liners can each be made
of a different material, depending upon the type of material to be shipped
or stored. That is, each bulk container can be used, during its lifetime,
for storing more than one type of liquid because only the liner need be
changed.
A typical liner includes an inlet fitment and a discharge fitment and there
is a need to connect the discharge fitment of the liner with a discharge
port of the bulk container. An adapter has been proposed for connecting
the discharge fitment of the liner with the discharge port of the bulk
container. One type of adapter that had been designed by inventors of the
present invention is shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings accompanying this
specification. Referring to FIG. 9, adapter 100 includes an inner cylinder
102 and an outer cylinder 104. The outer cylinder 104 is connected to the
inner cylinder 102 via a flange 106. On a first or proximal end of the
inner cylinder a first set of male, tapered threads 108 is provided. On
the second or distal end, a second set of male, tapered threads 110 is
provided. In addition, a third set of male, tapered threads 112 is
provided on the outer cylinder 104. (The tapers are not shown to scale in
the drawings. They can be made to pipefitting standards.) In installing
the liner in the bulk container, the adapter 100 must be aligned with the
discharge fitment on the liner as it is screwed into the discharge port of
the bulk container. It may be necessary to have an aide crawl into the
container and hold the discharge fitment in position. The installer then
rotates the adapter 100 to simultaneously engage the threads 108 with the
discharge fitment and the threads 104 with female threads on the discharge
port on the bulk container. After the adapter is tight, a valve can be
installed by engaging with threads 110 from outside the bulk container.
Such an assembly process proved tedious and difficult to accomplish. In
many bulk containers access can be very limited. Further, simultaneously
engaging the threads of the discharge fitment on the liner and the threads
of the discharge port with the different sets of threads of the adapter is
very difficult if the components are not perfectly aligned, and sometimes
requires several attempts. After the adapter is disconnected, residual
stored material may leak through the discharge fitment of the liner and
drip into the bulk container before the liner can be withdrawn, thereby
requiring cleaning.
Furthermore, a typical discharge fitment on a flexible liner, which is in
essence a spout to which a valve can be attached, is relatively long in
comparison to its diameter. Therefore, when such a discharge fitment is
engaged with the adapter 100, which in turn is threaded in the discharge
port of the bulk container, the portion of the liner surrounding the
discharge fitment must necessarily be disposed a significant distance back
from the rigid wall of the container. When the container is filled, the
static pressure within the liner due to the weight of the filled material
tends to stretch that region of the liner toward the container walls,
thereby giving rise to a potential of tearing the unsupported liner at
that location.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an adapter between
a liner and a bulk container that can be more readily installed, in
particular, in a bulk container with limited access to its interior. It is
a further object of the present invention to prevent leakage from the
liner when the empty liner is removed. It is another object of the present
invention to provide an adapter that can readily seal effectively at all
engagements with a minimum number of parts. It is also an object of the
present invention to provide an adapter that will contain the stored
material in the event the liner ruptures within the container.
To achieve the above objects, one aspect of the present invention relates
to an adapter for connecting a flexible liner having a threaded discharge
or fill fitment to a port of a rigid container having an inner wall and an
outer wall. The adapter includes a tubular member and a flange member. The
tubular member has a proximal end, a distal end and a coaxial bore. The
proximal end of the tubular member has a first set of threads for engaging
with the threads on the fitment of the flexible liner, and the tubular
member has near its distal end a second set of threads for engaging with a
threaded securing member that abuts against the outer wall of the rigid
container when in its securing position. The flange member is secured to
the tubular member for abutting against the inner wall of the rigid
container.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a lined container
including a rigid-walled vessel, a flexible liner and an adapter. The
rigid-walled vessel has a port formed in its wall. The flexible liner has
a discharge or fill fitment integrally provided therewith, the fitment
having female threads. The adapter includes a tubular member having a
proximal end, a distal end, and a coaxial bore, for connecting the fitment
of the flexible liner to the port of the vessel, and a flange member,
secured to the tubular member, for abutting against an interior surface of
the wall of the vessel.
Still a further aspect of the present invention relates to a method of
lining a rigid container, having an access aperture and a discharge port,
with a flexible liner, having a discharge fitment. The method includes a
first step of affixing a plug with a tow-line to the fitment of the
flexible liner. The tow-line has a free end. Next, the free end of the
tow-line is guided through the access aperture into the rigid container
and then through the port and out of the rigid container. The flexible
liner is fed through the access aperture into the rigid container. Then
the tow-line, while still attached to the fitment, is pulled completely
through the port of the rigid container. Lastly, the fitment of the
flexible liner is secured to the port of the rigid container.
Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a fitment for an
opening of a flexible liner for lining a rigid container having a port.
The fitment includes a tubular member and a flexible flange. The tubular
member has an internal bore therethrough, the tubular member including
means for connecting the fitment to the port of the rigid container. The
flexible flange is provided integrally with the tubular member, for
affixing the fitment to the flexible liner at its opening, wherein a ratio
between the outer diameter and the length of the tubular member is no less
than 2.7 to 1.
These and other objects and aspects of the present invention will be
apparent from the drawings and the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a bulk container of the present
invention with a liner installed;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the discharge fitment of the liner of the
present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adapter assembly of the present
invention;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter assembly of the present
invention;
FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the liner, adapter assembly,
bulk container and valve of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along section line VI--VI' in FIG. 1 of
the liner and adapter assembly installed in the bulk container of the
present invention;
FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the plug and tow-line assembly of the
present invention;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the positioning of the vertical and
horizontal guide tubes for use in installing a liner in a bulk container
of the present invention; and
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a previously proposed adapter assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to FIG. 1, a bulk container 10 to which the present invention
is particularly applicable is depicted. Container 10 can be formed of any
suitable structural material, for example strong plastic or steel.
Preferably, however, it is made of a dicyclopentadiene polymer and can be
configured and made as described in International Patent Publication No.
WO 92/21575 (Brown et al.) and the various U.S. patents that are
referenced therein (vis., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,400,340; 4,436,858; 4,469,809;
4,481,344; 4,485,208; 4,507,453; 4,520,181; 4,598,102; 4,607,077;
4,657,981; 4,661,575; 4,703,098; 4,708,869; 4,710,408; 4,727,125;
4,740,537; and 5,087,343), all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference. Dicyclopentadiene polymers are formed, and molded into the
desired shape, by a closed molding process using a core and cavity, called
reaction injection molding (RIM).
The bulk container 10 is typically formed with a lower section 12a and an
upper section 12b, with a shoulder 12c disposed therebetween. The lower
section 12a, upper section 12b and shoulder 12c are integrally formed. The
shoulder 12c adds strength to the container.
The container lid 14 is affixed onto a rim of the bulk container in an
airtight manner such that the bulk container can withstand internal
pressures up to about 15 p.s.i., if necessary. The container lid 14
includes a cap 16 which has male threads that fit into female threads of
an access aperture 14a centrally located in the container lid 14. The lid
14 and the cap 16 may also include one or more bung plugs which fit into
corresponding bung holes. A lanyard 17, to be described later, has one end
affixed to the cap 16.
A liner 20 is insertable into the bulk container. The liner includes an
inlet fitment 22 and a bung plug 24 that fits into the inlet fitment in a
sealing manner. The other end of the lanyard assembly 17 is connected to
the inlet fitment 22 of the liner, such that the liner will not drop
completely down to the bottom of the bulk container either before the
liner is filled or as its contents are depleted. The liner also includes a
discharge fitment 26 provided at a lower end thereof.
The discharge fitment 26 of the liner 20, as shown in FIG. 2, includes a
flange 26a, a tubular member 26b having a coaxial bore 26c lined with
tapered female threads, and ribs 26d. The flange 26a is formed integrally
with the tubular member 26b of injection molded, low density polyethylene,
for example. The fitment can be fused to the liner 20 by heating or
ultrasonic welding or can be adhered to the liner with an adhesive. Ribs
26d facilitate the molding process by preventing the fitment from rotating
during molding. Ribs 26b are not necessary if the fitment is machined
rather than molded. The outer diameter of the tubular member 26b is sized
such that it is no less than 2.6 times the length of the tubular member
measured from the flange 26a to the free end of the tubular member 26b. As
a result, the fitment has a relatively small profile, the advantages for
which will be explained later. In addition, the flange 26a is formed as a
thin layer so that it can readily flex with the liner 20. The advantages
of this feature will also be explained later. Further, the average inner
diameter of the tubular member is no more than 9.5 times the average
thickness of the tubular member (i.e., the distance between the inner and
outer diameters). As a result, the tubular member of the fitment is
sufficiently strong without any need for other structural support.
The discharge fitment 26 of the liner 20 is connected to the discharge port
12d of the bulk container 12 via an adapter assembly 30 shown in FIGS. 3
and 4. The adapter assembly 30 includes a main cylinder or tubular member
32 and a flange 34. The flange is affixed to the cylinder member 32 at a
midpoint thereof by any suitable method, depending on the type of material
used. The cylinder member 32 includes a male, tapered, first set of
threads 32a on a first or proximal end of the cylinder, a male, tapered,
second set of threads 32b formed continuously with a male, straight, third
set of threads 32c on a second or distal end of the cylinder, and a
female, straight, fourth set of threads also on the second end.
The first set of threads 32a is for connection with the discharge fitment
26 of the liner 20. The interconnected tapered threads provide an
interference fit between the discharge fitment of the liner and the
adapter assembly, thereby eliminating the need for a sealing gasket.
Nevertheless, some type of sealant, such as Teflon.TM. tape or pipe
sealant, is preferred to be provided on the threads before the
interconnection is established. The second set of threads 32b is for
connection with a female-threaded valve 60 to be described later. These
tapered threads 32b also provide an interference fit.
The straight threads 32c are for connecting with a retaining nut. The
fourth set of threads are tapped into the inner periphery of the adapter
assembly near the second end thereof. The fourth set of threads is for
engaging a plug 70 for the adapter assembly.
The flange 34 is disposed near the proximal end of the main cylinder 32,
where the first set of threads 32a is provided. This minimizes the profile
of the discharge fitment 26 and the portion of the adapter assembly that
is disposed within the rigid container, providing advantages which will be
explained later. The flange 34 includes a recess 34a on its distal face
that functions as a seat for a sealing ring. The flange 34 also includes
flats 34b and 34c on its circumference. At least flat 34b is disposed
close to a complementary flat in the inside of the bulk container, such
that the adapter assembly cannot rotate after it is properly positioned.
The adapter assembly 30 can be formed of any material that will suit the
requirements for its use, as long as the selected material is compatible
with the connections to the discharge fitment 26, the valve, the retaining
nut and the plug. For example, if the container is to be used for storing
some type of fluid foodstuff, food grade PVC can be used to form the
adapter assembly. This type of PVC is compatible with a polyethylene liner
fitment, a UHMW lock nut, a polypropylene plug, and a food grade
polypropylene valve fitment. For other types of materials to be stored,
the adapter assembly can be suitably formed of polypropylene, stainless
steel, carbon steel, brass, etc.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating the interrelationship of the
various elements of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
When fully assembled, the fitment 26 of the flexible liner 20 is
threadedly engaged with the first set of threads 32a of the adapter
assembly 30. Flat 34b is positioned parallel to the flat bottom of the
rigid vessel 12, with little or no clearance between them. This prevents
the adapter assembly from rotating after it is inserted through the port
12d of the container 12, which in turn prevents the flexible liner 20 from
twisting and possibly restricting its flow. Instead of a flat, any
geometric shape and a complementary recess on the inside of the container
can be utilized. A sealing ring 40, which is formed of nitrile, for
example, is disposed between the flange 34 of the adapter assembly 30 and
the inner wall of the container 12 and sits in recess 34a. Therefore, even
if the flexible liner were to accidentally rupture, its contents would
still be reliably retained within the rigid walled container.
When the adapter assembly is inserted through the bore 18 of the vessel and
the flat 34b of flange 34 is seated against the bottom of the container, a
retaining nut 50 is threaded onto the straight set of male threads 32c of
the adapter assembly 30 to hold the adapter assembly in place. The nut 50
abuts against a flat surface 12e of the container. A ball valve 60, which
can be formed of polypropylene or stainless steel, for example, is
threadable on the tapered threads 32b thereafter. The interconnected
tapered threads of the adapter assembly 30 and the valve 60 also provides
an interference fit which can be enhanced with a sealing material such as
Teflon.TM. tape. When the valve 60 is not connected to the adapter
assembly, the plug assembly 70, having male threads 70a, as shown in FIG.
7, can be screwed into the female threads 32d of the adapter assembly to
prevent leakage. The plug need not be threaded; it can alternatively be a
magnetic or expansion type. In the alternate cases, there is also no need
for female threads 32d on the adapter 30.
As shown in FIG. 1, the length of the lower liner fitment 26 and the width
of the proximal end of the adapter assembly within the container is
relatively small compared to the diameter of the lower liner fitment 26.
Therefore, when the flexible liner is filled, the portion of the liner
proximal to the lower liner fitment is not disposed a great distance from
the interior walls of the container 12. If this distance were greater, the
liner would tend to stretch from the point of its connection to the lower
liner fitment toward the container walls. Too much stress could tear the
liner. However, it has been found that as dimensioned, the magnitude of
such stretching can be limited to an acceptable level. In addition, the
flexible flange 26a of the lower liner fitment reinforces that portion of
the liner which is subjected to the undesirable stretching to the greatest
extent.
In addition, due to the flat 34b of the flange 34 of the adapter assembly
30 and the flexibility of the flange 26a of the discharge fitment 26, the
outlet of the flexible liner 20 can be disposed at a relatively low level,
such that it minimizes the amount of stored contents that cannot drain
through the discharge port because they settle below the height of the
outlet. To further minimize such waste, the inside bottom of the container
12 can be custom-fitted with an insert that displaces the unusable portion
of the liner. This insert is preferably formed of a soft, flexible
material to cover any sharp protrusions on the inside bottom of container
12 that might puncture the flexible liner 20.
A method of inserting the flexible liner within the rigid container will
now be described.
Initially, the adapter assembly 30 is screwed onto the lower liner fitment
26 of an unused liner 20. A bottom flat 34c of the adapter assembly should
be aligned with the bottom of the liner. Teflon.TM. tape or a pipe sealant
can be used to improve the sealing between the adapter assembly and the
lower liner fitment. Next, the plug assembly 70 is threaded into the
distal end of the adapter assembly. An arrow should be marked on the plug
assembly designating "up", which points away from the bottom flat 34c of
the adapter assembly. Then the plastic bung 24 from the top liner fitment
22 is removed so that excess air can escape while inserting the liner. The
cap 16 is removed from the container lid 14 to expose the access aperture
14a. The plug 70 is detachably connected to a first end of a guide leash
or tow-line 72 by way of a connector 72a. A magnet 74 is affixed to the
free end of the guide leash 72.
A vertical guide tube 80 is then inserted downwardly through the access
aperture in the lid of the bulk container, as shown in FIG. 8. The
vertical guide tube 80 is comprised of a tubular member 82 having a
longitudinal slot 82a provided therein and a drop guard 84, also having a
slot 84a formed therein. The slots 82a and 84a are aligned so that one
side of the vertical guide tube is completely open. The inner diameter of
the tubular member 82 is larger than the largest dimension of the magnet
74 attached to the guide leash 72, but smaller than the diameter of the
plug 70. The slots 82a and 84a have a width wider than the diameter of the
guide leash 72. The guard 84 has a diameter greater than the diameter of
the access aperture 14a of the lid 14, such that the vertical guide tube
can never accidentally drop completely into the bulk container. The
vertical guide tube is formed of PVC or some other non-magnetic material
that will not interfere with free passage of the magnet 74. The tubular
member 82 and the guard 84 can be glued together with a PVC cement, for
example.
Next, a horizontal guide tube 90 is inserted through the discharge port 12d
of the bulk container 12. The horizontal guide tube 90 includes a tubular
member 92, a guide shoulder 94, a metal plate 96, and a handle 98. All of
the components of the horizontal guide tube 90, with the exception of the
metal plate 96, can also be made of PVC and glued together with an
appropriate cement. The metal plate 96 is preferably made of a ferrous
metal to attract the magnet 74 attached to the guide leash 72. The plate
96 is disposed in a recess of the tubular member 92 to house the magnet 74
after it is attracted to the plate. The guide shoulder 94 is dimensioned
so as to snugly fit within the discharge port 12d of the bulk container
12, such that the horizontal guide tube can be held substantially
horizontally within the bulk container with the plate 96 being positioned
precisely below the vertical guide tube 80.
When the vertical guide tube 80 and the horizontal guide tube 90 are in
position, the magnet on the guide leash is inserted into the top of the
vertical guide tube and lowered until it makes contact with the plate 96
on the horizontal guide tube. The horizontal guide tube is then removed
from the discharge port of the tank with the magnet attached to plate 96.
Then the vertical guide tube is removed from the access aperture while
retaining the guide leash in place. The guide leash will slip out of the
slot 82a on the tubular member 82 and out of the slot 84a of the guard 84
of the vertical guide tube.
The new liner 20 is then inserted into the container through the access
aperture with the portion of the liner that includes the top fitment
remaining outside the container. Using the guide leash, which is connected
to the plug 70, which in turn is threaded onto the adapter assembly 30,
the adapter assembly is pulled through the discharge port 12d of the bulk
container 12 until the gasket 40 contacts the inner surface of the
container and the flat 34b of the flange 34 is properly seated against the
bottom on the inner surface of the bulk container. The flange will be
properly seated in the recess of the bulk container when the previously
noted arrow on the plug is pointed upwards. Then the retainer nut 50 is
threaded onto the straight male threads 32c of the adapter assembly 30 and
tightened with a wrench. The plug 70 can be removed from the adapter
assembly and a valve 60, such as a ball valve, can be threaded onto the
tapered male threads 32b of the adapter assembly.
Next, the lanyard 17 is affixed to the top liner fitment 22. The liner can
then be filled with the desired liquid. To ensure unimpeded filling, the
liner may first be inflated using a compressed air source. In filling the
liner 20, use can be made of a circular fill plate having both a diameter
greater than the diameter of the access aperture and a slot into which an
annular recess of a reinforced neck of the top liner fitment can slide.
The fill plate can rest on the rim of the access aperture and support the
upper liner fitment during filling. Then, the bung plug 24 is replaced in
the top liner fitment 22. Afterwards, the cap 16 can be replaced in the
access aperture 14a and the bulk container is ready for use. A sight gauge
can be placed in the discharge line upstream of the valve 60 to indicate
the fluid level in the container 10.
When the contents of the container have been exhausted, the liner can be
replaced. First, the valve 60 and the retainer nut 50 are removed from the
distal end of the adapter assembly 30. Then the plug assembly with the
guide leash connected thereto is replaced into the adapter assembly. Next
the adapter assembly 30 with the affixed plug are pushed back into the
container. The plug will prevent any residual contents within the liner
from leaking into the container during removal. Next the cap from the
container lid is removed and the lanyard 16c is used to pull the top end
of the liner out of the access aperture. The entire liner is then pulled
out of the container through the access aperture, making sure the magnet
end of the guide leash is not pulled through the discharge port 12d of the
bulk container. Then the adapter assembly is removed from the used liner
(and cleaned, if necessary) and attached to a new liner. The insertion
process described previously is repeated. However, there is no need to
utilize the vertical guide tube 80 or the horizontal guide tube 90, since
the guide leash is already in place.
It should be understood that the preferred embodiment described herein is
intended only in an illustrative, rather than a limiting, sense. The true
scope of the invention is set forth in the claims appended hereto.
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